Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are potent vehicles that found their way in many aspects of our lives. Even if people use them for recreation and sports, side-by-sides have never lost their original purpose: to help us work safer, more comfortably, and more efficiently. At first, their primary use was cargo transportation across challenging terrains. However, as time went by, we now use them for various purposes. Today, let’s see how to choose the best UTV for work on farms, ranches, or other types of work, like fishing or hunting!
The Advantage of UTVs over ATVs or Tractors
Since their inception, side-by-sides have demonstrated fascinating capabilities. They can carry not only significant loads but also passengers, making farm work more convenient and comfortable. Larger than ATVs and more versatile than tractors, UTVs gained plenty of popularity in the past years. Of course, as we mentioned on previous occasions, side-by-sides feature enormous recreational value, becoming veritable racing power beasts to tame by thrill-seekers.
However, suppose your interests lie with hard work. In that case, a UTV is probably the best choice for plowing, fence mending, transportation, snow plowing, feeding farm animals, shooting, irrigation and landscaping, overseeding, fertilization, calf-catching, loads towing, and much more. Here are the main advantages of using a UTV for work:
- Greater payload. Compared to ATVs, UTVs feature greater loads, allowing you to haul gear or supplies easier;
- Maneuverability. UTVs are more potent than ATVs and more maneuverable than trucks on challenging terrain;
- Excellent carrying capacity. A UTV can carry up to six people, depending on the model you get. You will rarely need to attach a trailer to it due to its unique built-in transport capacity;
- Stability. While an ATV pumps adrenaline in your veins while crossing uneven terrains, a UTV usually features a stable platform to help you engage in activities such as feeding, hunting, seeding, spraying, etc.
Another thing you need to know is that most UTVs come with rooftops, windshields, side doors, and plenty of other accessories to keep you safe and make your work more comfortable. If you already have a UTV, we recommend looking for a professional shop selling accessories for UTVs and side by sides to upgrade your vehicle. You will find plenty of aftermarket parts designed to improve its performance, stability, drive, speed, safety, load capacity, and ease of use.
If you need such a vehicle on your property to help you accomplish your daily chores, the next logical question is the following: what should you look for in a UTV designed for hard work? To answer this question, we have to address a few critical aspects of UTV performance, tech specs, and features that will help you narrow down the search and make an educated purchase.
What to Look for In a UTV Built for Hard Work?
Let’s discuss now some criteria you need to consider when you create a shortlist of UTVs for work you would like to buy for this year’s work on your farm, ranch, wooded area, and so on.
1. Fuel Type
Most UTVs on the market today function with gasoline or diesel. Buying one of two types depends on what you need your vehicle to do on the property:
- Haul heavy loads on demanding terrains – you will need a diesel-fueled UTV.
- Haul lighter loads with a smaller vehicle – a gasoline-fueled UTV should do just fine.
2. Number of Seats
As we said, an UTV can carry up to six people. If you want a vehicle able to carry more than just two individuals, it is best to look for a UTV with four or six seats. It will allow you to take the family or your team to the working site, hunting, etc.
On the other hand, if you value more cargo and efficient equipment and supplies hauling, go for the two-seat options and gain significant cargo space.
3. Loading and Hauling Capabilities
When you are looking to get the best work UTV for agriculture, fishing, farming, hunting, construction work, etc., the loading and hauling capacity are crucial to making the right choice. The standard in most UTVs is 1,000 pounds, but you will find plenty of models able to haul 2,000 pounds. As a piece of advice, choose the UTV that best serves your loading and hauling needs.
4. Power and Speed
In this regard, you might want to consider some compromises. As you can quickly figure out, a sporty UTV built for racing or recreation will usually feature a gasoline tank, impressive horsepower, speeds ranging around 45 mph, lighter construction, and plenty of other high-end features.
A UTV built for hard work will usually feature diesel fuel and speeds going around 25 mph. However, a work UTV will be heavier, stronger, and more stable.
The idea here is to prioritize your needs and pick a UTV to help you accomplish your chores quicker and more efficiently.
5. 2W vs. 4W Drive
Just as you choose an SUV depending on the drivetrain, you should consider this feature when you look for a UTV. As you can quickly figure out, a four-wheel drive is handy when you need to work in bad weather, snowy conditions, mud, bumpy fields, hilled areas, slopes, etc. Four-wheeled movements improved stability, handling & maneuverability, and safety while transporting your loads safely across your property, wooden space, etc.
Final Thoughts
This list represents just the tip of the iceberg. When you look for the best UTV for work, you also need to consider the availability of aftermarket parts, chassis, suspensions, wheels & tires, and more. Of course, price is something to consider, as some of the best UTVs’ prices go around and over $10,000.
Do you use a UTV for recreation or work? What are the best features of such vehicles in your opinion? We’d love to hear your thoughts on UTVs in general and utility vehicles in particular!
